Cultivating a Culture of Innovation

WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL BY PATRICE TSAGUE

What are you doing to inspire creativity?
Are you creating enough space for innovation in your business?

Cultivating a Culture of Innovation

Though we cannot all be inventors, we can all be innovators. Without innovation, you will not be able to remain competitive. Innovation is a continuous process and a culture – not a one-time event. Therefore, you must create an innovative culture within your organization.

Here are seven steps to help you create that culture:

1. Have a clear mission and vision statement – Without clarity of mission and vision, innovation can be uncoordinated and reckless. Make sure that your innovations align with what you are called to do, and with the direction of your organization.
   
2. Always ask the “What-if” questions – What often hinders innovation is the refusal to welcome questions. “What-if” questions can sometimes seem “dreamy” or out-of-touch, but they get you thinking. Sometimes the best “what-if” questions come from those who know very little about the business or the industry. These questions take you out of the box of your normal routine, which is where innovation is usually found.
   
3. Make time to pray, think, and challenge the status quo – It is difficult to innovate if you do not have a margin. It is also difficult when you do not make time for the Lord. Prayer takes you into the mind of God to acquire innovative ideas. Thinking helps you analyze it, which prepares you for execution or revision.
   
4. Use customer survey feedback to challenge the status quo – Innovators are market-driven. They have their ears to the ground and listen to their customers. Your customers will let you know about their pain points and what they need most, which could drive your next innovation.
   
5. Be open to ideas from your staff and other stakeholders – Other than your customers, some of your best ideas may come from your staff – not just those in management but every member of your team – especially those without titles or in positions that may seem relatively insignificant.
   
6. Be willing to take risks and invest in continuous improvement – Without risk and resources, innovations cannot be realized. Be willing to take risks for a brighter future. 
7. Keep up with the competition and industry – Some of the best innovative ideas may come from insights gained from competitors as well as from the industry at large. Speak with individuals from your field who are at the cutting edge, do your own research, and use the data to drive innovation within your company. 

Consider gathering your team to discuss these points. Make a healthy assessment of your organization to determine if it has an innovative culture. 

My prayer for you today is that God will give you the inspiration to become innovative for His glory. 

The Nehemiah Entrepreneurship Community will be doing a 21-DAY FAST & PRAY as we prepare for Nehemiah Week 2024!

Join us live daily at 6:00 AM PACIFIC/ 9:00 AM EASTERN beginning JULY 29, 2024 till AUGUST 18, 2024 to pray.

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